Related Experiment Videos
Pain prevalence in Singapore
1The Pain Specialists, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|December 4, 2009
Summary
Chronic pain affects 8.7% of Singaporean adults, with higher rates in women and the elderly. This significant health issue impacts daily function and work, especially in an aging population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic pain prevalence is well-documented globally, particularly in Western countries.
- Data on chronic pain in Asian populations, including Singapore, is limited due to cultural and genetic variations.
- Prevalence studies are crucial for resource allocation in healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of chronic pain in adult Singaporeans.
- To assess the impact of chronic pain on daily life and work.
- To provide data for healthcare planning in Singapore.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study using computer-assisted telephone interviews.
- Two questionnaires were employed: a screening tool for chronic pain and a detailed one for impact assessment.
- A multi-step random sampling method targeted listed telephone numbers of Singaporean adults.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of chronic pain (pain for ≥3 months in the last 6 months) was 8.7% (359/4141).
- Prevalence was higher in females (10.9%) and increased significantly with age, particularly after 65.
- Chronic pain substantially impacted work and daily functioning.
Conclusions:
- Despite a marginally lower prevalence than some studies, the impact of chronic pain in Singapore is significant.
- Chronic pain represents a growing healthcare challenge in Singapore's rapidly aging population.
- Addressing chronic pain is essential to mitigate its future impact on social infrastructure.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...